WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- The American Insurance Association issued the following news release:

Leigh Ann Pusey, president and CEO of the American Insurance Association (AIA), issued the following statement regarding the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) announcement that former Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) has been named the next chief executive officer of the organization. Sen. Nelson succeeds Dr. Therese (Terri) Vaughan who stepped down as the NAIC's chief executive on November 30, 2012.

Ms. Pusey's statement follows:

"Sen. Nelson brings a high-level of knowledge, experience and leadership that will benefit the NAIC and the insurance marketplace. He has a firsthand understanding of the important role that insurers play in the economy given his prior experience as a governor, insurance company CEO, and previously as Director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. Indeed, AIA has maintained a strong relationship with Senator Nelson in his various public and private sector capacities for nearly four decades.

"AIA looks forward to working with the Senator and the NAIC on state, national and international regulatory issues that aim to promote a vibrant and healthy property-casualty insurance marketplace while preserving safety and soundness."

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